WASHINGTON (JTA) -- An array of Jewish groups expressed their dismay at the passage of Arizona's restrictive new immigration enforcement law.

"The Jewish community has long called on our national leaders to reform our immigration laws to 'welcome the stranger' and to create an effective federal immigration system characterized by the rule of law and the humane treatment of newcomers," the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society said in a statement after Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed the law Friday afternoon.